# Stop Panicking! **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Tags:** trump\ **Created:** [June 28, 2024, 3:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stop-panicking/1003447 "2024-06-28T15:26:12Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 35
**Author:** ![Dr.Strangelove](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr.strangelove/32/6613_2.png) [@Dr.Strangelove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Strangelove)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2024, 4:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stop-panicking/1003447/681 "2024-07-09T04:37:18Z")
Well, then if you use the full registration rolls, it is still no worse than the normal open primary. Whatever MAGA ratfuckery might go on, it’s the same ratfuckery that would happen anyway. ETA: Ok, upon a few extra moments consideration, that’s probably not true. Someone in the other party would have to be willing to give up their own party vote in order to sabotage the other. But that wouldn’t happen here. Well, maybe not every state can participate in this process. ---
**Author:** ![Stratocaster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stratocaster/32/16393_2.png) [@Stratocaster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stratocaster)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2024, 10:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stop-panicking/1003447/682 "2024-07-09T10:42:43Z")
Jesus Christ. Of all the “solutions” I’ve heard to this situation, launching a primary (of any variety) at this point is the most fanciful. And that’s saying a lot. ---
**Author:** ![Akaj](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/akaj/32/145_2.png) [@Akaj](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Akaj)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2024, 1:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stop-panicking/1003447/683 "2024-07-09T13:12:51Z")
> [@Sherrerd](#): > > I still think that though MAGAs would cheer, enough _other_ voters would be angry at a refusal to confirm a VP, that House members in all but the most MAGAty districts would at least hesitate to do it. I don’t think most voters would even notice. > [@Irishman](#): > > > [@Akaj](#): > > > > Refusing to confirm a VP would make House Speaker Mike Johnson next in the line of succession. It’s _exactly_ what they would do. > > “But we’re in the middle of an election to decide who the next VP should be. We have to let that play out.” > > If it’s good enough for a SCOTUS Justice, it’s great for VP. Exactly. ---
**Author:** ![Akaj](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/akaj/32/145_2.png) [@Akaj](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Akaj)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2024, 1:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stop-panicking/1003447/684 "2024-07-09T13:23:29Z")
I’m with you. Even if this snap primary could be pulled off, what would be the advantage? Would some previously little-known Dem suddenly emerge as the Trump-slayer? Harris is perfectly positioned to slay Trump. It seems like a fairly straightforward process for Biden to quit the race, fully endorsing her and solving all the money issues. She wins the nomination on the first vote at the convention. ---
**Author:** ![sciurophobic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/cab0a1/32.png) [@sciurophobic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sciurophobic)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2024, 3:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stop-panicking/1003447/685 "2024-07-09T15:38:03Z")
> [@bobot](#): > > But I can not ignore that the Biden from the debate and from the Stephanopolous interview appears to be a man who might not be drawing breath in November. But how has he been since then? Are you aware he’s made [18](https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/donald-trump-joe-biden-2024-election-b2576024.html#) campaign appearances since the debate, while Trump (who has nothing better to do) has done none? And did you listen to him on [Morning Joe](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8aziuR76Cek&t=597s) a few days ago? It was enough to get [Rob Reiner](https://x.com/robreiner/status/1810318044557983882) to consider jumping off the drop Biden bandwagon > If we see the Joe Biden that appeared on Morning Joe today every day until Nov.5, he’ll be able to shut up people like me who think he should step aside. ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2024, 5:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stop-panicking/1003447/686 "2024-07-09T17:31:43Z")
A five minute phone interview? That’s not going to convince anyone. ---
**Author:** ![bordelond](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bordelond/32/150_2.png) [@bordelond](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bordelond)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2024, 5:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stop-panicking/1003447/687 "2024-07-09T17:34:57Z")
No one’s really convinceable, are they? No matter what Biden would do, there will always be “_no true Scotsman_” applied: “_Only five minutes! Only once - let’s see it again! OK - let’s see it sustained!_” Etc. ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2024, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stop-panicking/1003447/688 "2024-07-09T17:58:43Z")
> [@bordelond](#): > > No one’s really convinceable, are they? No matter what Biden would do, there will always be “_no true Scotsman_” applied: “_Only five minutes! Only once - let’s see it again! OK - let’s see it sustained!_” Etc. Like it or don’t but a big part of the problem is how he looks regardless of how much you like what is coming out of his mouth. He can hold a five minute conversation, great. He still looks like death warmed over. But really, for a president is it too much to ask for it to be sustained past a five minute conversation? ---
**Author:** ![Irishman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/b487fb/32.png) [@Irishman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Irishman)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2024, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stop-panicking/1003447/689 "2024-07-09T20:01:15Z")
For people still speculating on Biden’s mental health, his White House physician has just released, with permission from Biden and the WH Neurologist specialist that has been in the news as of yesterday, the following letter. > **[Read the full letter from Biden's doctor on the president's health and...](https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/read-the-full-letter-from-bidens-doctor-on-the-presidents-health-and-ability-to-lead-the-government)** > > In a letter, O'Connor described Biden's health examination regimen, including visits from a neurologist. Statement in part: > [@](#): > > ‘The results of this year’s exam were detailed in my February 28th letter: “An extremely detailed neurologic exam was again reassuring in that there were no findings which would be consistent with > any cerebellar or other central neurological disorder, such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s or ascending lateral sclerosis, nor are there any signs of cervical myelopathy. This exam did again support a finding of peripheral neuropathy in both feet. No motor weakness was detected. He > exhibits no tremor, either at rest or with activity. He demonstrates excellent fine motor dexterity. This is likely the neurological exam that Biden mentions. The question has also been presented on why a Parkinson’s specialist has visited the White House eight times in the past year. > [@](#): > > Dr. Cannard has been the Neurology Consultant to the White House Medical Unit since 2012. He ‘was chosen for his breadth of experience and expertise across the specialty of Neurology. Prior to his Movement Disorders fellowship at Emory University, he had practiced as a general neurologist for six years. He is the longest serving Neurologist at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and in the Military Healthcare System. He has been a member of the faculty at the Uniformed Services University’s medical school since 1991 and is core faculty of the Neurology Residency Program, He has numerous local and national teaching awards, and is highly regarded for his clinical skills. These qualities make him a valued and versatile consultant to assess and treat a wide variety of conditions. Prior to the pandemic, and following its end, he has held regular Neurology Clinics at the White House Medical Clinic in support of the thousands of active-duty ‘members assigned in support of White House operations. Many military personnel experience neurological issues related to their service, and Dr. Cannard regularly visits the WHMU as part of this General Neurology practice. We value the contributions he has made across the many patients he has treated in support of the White House and its personnel over these years. In other words: 1. While he has a Parkinson’s fellowship, he is a widely respected neurologist who is a general neurologist with extensive experience as a generalist. 2. He is the senior neurologist at Walter Reed, where Presidents get their health care. 3. He has been involved with the White House in treating many service members who work there. In other words, the President isn’t the only possible patient at the White House. 4. The President has only been seen three times as part of his annual physicals. Those results have been shared. So now we have some actual medical statements, not random speculation by the internet troll farm and Kremlin puppets. Unless you are unwilling to trust official statements - and you may be unwilling - it looks like we have strong justification to move past the “Biden’s mind is going” claim. There still may be reasons to be uncomfortable with an octagenarian President, but if the only real complaint that can be registered is “he’s too old” or “he’s not exciting enough”, then that’s just dissatisfaction with the candidate we have, not legitimate reason to replace him. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2024, 8:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stop-panicking/1003447/690 "2024-07-09T20:08:31Z")
> [@Irishman](#): > > So now we have some actual medical statements, not random speculation by the internet troll farm and Kremlin puppets. It wont help. They will still demand Obama’s OFFICIAL Birth Certificate. ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Drake](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ad7895/32.png) [@Dr.Drake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Drake)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2024, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stop-panicking/1003447/691 "2024-07-09T20:14:22Z")
What concerns me about the letter is “he was fine as of late February.” Yes; we saw his State of the Union. We’ve also seen many clips of him _since_ February. _ **Things can change** _, especially if you’re a man in his early 80s. Everything I have read that isn’t sensationalized suggests that there were no problems prior to about six months ago. Well, late February was over four months ago. This isn’t “strong justification to move past the ‘Biden’s mind is going’ claim.” It is strong evidence that anyone seeing Dr. Cannard’s recent visit as a Sign is misinterpreting. The letter _also_ says that Biden has not seen a specialist since February. Maybe you find that reassuring; I do not. ---
**Author:** ![Stratocaster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stratocaster/32/16393_2.png) [@Stratocaster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stratocaster)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2024, 8:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stop-panicking/1003447/692 "2024-07-09T20:18:57Z")
This is great stuff. Thanks for sharing. Quite certain that if the exams were a month ago, we’d still have folks saying, “Yeah, but a lot can change in a month.” This is what was needed—actual details and facts, not gut reactions made in a panic. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2024, 8:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stop-panicking/1003447/693 "2024-07-09T20:25:56Z")
> [@Dr.Drake](#): > > What concerns me about the letter is “he was fine as of late February.” And he still is. Everyone is basing their opinion on _one single debate._ He had rallies , speeches and an interview afterwards and did fine in all. ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2024, 8:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stop-panicking/1003447/694 "2024-07-09T20:44:20Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > He had rallies , speeches and an interview afterwards and did fine in all. No, he did not do fine. ---
**Author:** ![asterion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/4da419/32.png) [@asterion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/asterion)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2024, 8:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stop-panicking/1003447/695 "2024-07-09T20:47:46Z")
> [@Procrustus](#): > > No, he did not do fine. He did the goodest he could do. ---
**Author:** ![Irishman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/b487fb/32.png) [@Irishman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Irishman)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2024, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stop-panicking/1003447/696 "2024-07-09T20:50:35Z")
> [@Dr.Drake](#): > > What concerns me about the letter is “he was fine as of late February.” Yes; we saw his State of the Union. We’ve also seen many clips of him _since_ February. _ **Things can change** _, especially if you’re a man in his early 80s. Everything I have read that isn’t sensationalized suggests that there were no problems prior to about six months ago. Well, late February was over four months ago. A neurological specialist evaluated him four months ago. Yes, things can change, but without traumatic injury, they don’t do so overnight. He found no signs of decline. Usually something like this is going to start slowly and degrade over time. It might not be noticeable early, but a neurogenic exam would show something - early stages, need to reassess in a couple months, inconclusive - something. You know what else started about 6 months ago? Maybe the election cycle getting off in earnest with primaries? > [@Dr.Drake](#): > > The letter _also_ says that Biden has not seen a specialist since February. Maybe you find that reassuring; I do not. I don’t think even people with a diagnosed declining condition see someone that often. If he went from zero to alzheimers in 4 months, his personal physicians would have noticed something. He does have doctors traveling with him everywhere. ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Drake](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ad7895/32.png) [@Dr.Drake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Drake)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2024, 9:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stop-panicking/1003447/697 "2024-07-09T21:04:22Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > Everyone is basing their opinion on _one single debate._ That is simply not true. There have been a couple of articles (I posted a link to one from WaPo somewhere here: perhaps this one [https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/07/03/biden-age-election-debate-trump/56f2a8a0-3998-11ef-93fe-36cbc6f6ab36\_story.html](https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/07/03/biden-age-election-debate-trump/56f2a8a0-3998-11ef-93fe-36cbc6f6ab36_story.html)) talking about other concerns people have expressed. If your statement were correct, you would be right to diagnose the whole situation as overblown. You are objectively incorrect here, I’m afraid. ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Drake](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ad7895/32.png) [@Dr.Drake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Drake)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2024, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stop-panicking/1003447/698 "2024-07-09T21:05:31Z")
> [@Irishman](#): > > I don’t think even people with a diagnosed declining condition see someone that often. > > If he went from zero to alzheimers in 4 months, his personal physicians would have noticed something. He does have doctors traveling with him everywhere. Those are good points, and probably true. I don’t think Alzheimer’s is the issue at hand, though: that’s a bit too specific, and nobody but right-wing / foreign media with an agenda are arguing for Alzheimer’s or full-blown dementia. ---
**Author:** ![PhillyGuy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ed655f/32.png) [@PhillyGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PhillyGuy)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2024, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stop-panicking/1003447/699 "2024-07-09T21:05:34Z")
Agree with your last post. The physician does not say anything about what challenges Biden faces, even though it is evident he has some sort of cognitive challenge he did not have in 2020. Nor should the doc do that! His job is to help Joe, not hurt him. If Biden had a thorough cognitive workup (something like [this](https://pennmemorycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/pmc-overview.original.pdf)), they probably would give him good news. Nothing serious, just mild cognitive impairment! Then they might give the patient some exercises and advice while warning against OTC medications. They would do that because they are on the patient’s side. If they found nothing, I’d question the testing. (Also true with Trump.) ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2024, 9:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stop-panicking/1003447/700 "2024-07-09T21:25:07Z")
> [@Irishman](#): > > For people still speculating on Biden’s mental health, his White House physician has just released, with permission from Biden and the WH Neurologist specialist that has been in the news as of yesterday, the following letter. > > [Read the full letter from Biden’s doctor on the president’s health and ability to lead the government | PBS News](https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.pbs.org/newshour/amp/politics/read-the-full-letter-from-bidens-doctor-on-the-presidents-health-and-ability-to-lead-the-government) > > Statement in part: > > > [@](#): > > > > ‘The results of this year’s exam were detailed in my February 28th letter: “An extremely detailed neurologic exam was again reassuring in that there were no findings which would be consistent with > > any cerebellar or other central neurological disorder, such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s or ascending lateral sclerosis, nor are there any signs of cervical myelopathy. This exam did again support a finding of peripheral neuropathy in both feet. No motor weakness was detected. He > > exhibits no tremor, either at rest or with activity. He demonstrates excellent fine motor dexterity. > > This is likely the neurological exam that Biden mentions. > > The question has also been presented on why a Parkinson’s specialist has visited the White House eight times in the past year. > > > [@](#): > > > > Dr. Cannard has been the Neurology Consultant to the White House Medical Unit since 2012. He ‘was chosen for his breadth of experience and expertise across the specialty of Neurology. Prior to his Movement Disorders fellowship at Emory University, he had practiced as a general neurologist for six years. He is the longest serving Neurologist at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and in the Military Healthcare System. He has been a member of the faculty at the Uniformed Services University’s medical school since 1991 and is core faculty of the Neurology Residency Program, He has numerous local and national teaching awards, and is highly regarded for his clinical skills. These qualities make him a valued and versatile consultant to assess and treat a wide variety of conditions. Prior to the pandemic, and following its end, he has held regular Neurology Clinics at the White House Medical Clinic in support of the thousands of active-duty ‘members assigned in support of White House operations. Many military personnel experience neurological issues related to their service, and Dr. Cannard regularly visits the WHMU as part of this General Neurology practice. We value the contributions he has made across the many patients he has treated in support of the White House and its personnel over these years. > > In other words: > > 1. While he has a Parkinson’s fellowship, he is a widely respected neurologist who is a general neurologist with extensive experience as a generalist. > > 2. He is the senior neurologist at Walter Reed, where Presidents get their health care. > > 3. He has been involved with the White House in treating many service members who work there. In other words, the President isn’t the only possible patient at the White House. > > 4. The President has only been seen three times as part of his annual physicals. Those results have been shared. > > So now we have some actual medical statements, not random speculation by the internet troll farm and Kremlin puppets. > > Unless you are unwilling to trust official statements - and you may be unwilling - it looks like we have strong justification to move past the “Biden’s mind is going” claim. > > There still may be reasons to be uncomfortable with an octagenarian President, but if the only real complaint that can be registered is “he’s too old” or “he’s not exciting enough”, then that’s just dissatisfaction with the candidate we have, not legitimate reason to replace him. To be blunt, it doesn’t matter. As far as I can tell not one person here has said they are voting for Trump because Biden is too old. This is not the target audience. Those that may not vote at all or are so low information that they think they might as well vote for Trump are not going to care about some report. They are going to care about what their eyes see. And they see that he is frail and weak as fuck. To get them to change their minds he has to show that he’s not frail and weak as fuck. The debate was so bad that it’s going to take a lot to flush that away. And to be honest he looked pretty damn frail before the debate. “Not Alzheimers’s” is way too low a bar. He has to show more and show it every day. There is a lot to overcome. Biden got the most votes in history in 2020. Trump got the second most votes in history in 2020. Biden is done if he bleeds votes. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stop-panicking/1003447.md?page=34) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stop-panicking/1003447.md?page=36)